Bones of Empire

by William C. Dietz

  There were posthumous medals for both Keen and Shani as well, both received by saddened relatives, some of whom had been brought in from distant planets to take part in the ceremony.

  Alamy watched the entire thing with tears brimming in her eyes as memories of both Keen and Shani came flooding back, and was therefore somewhat distracted when her own name was called. “Now,” Brunus said, “it is my honor to welcome a new citizen into the Empire. Would CeCe Alamy please come forward?”

  Alamy was frozen in place, but a smiling Usurlus was there to help her to her feet and escort her over to the podium. She knew how to curtsy, having served Governor Nalomy on Dantha, so she did so, and might have held that position forever had Usurlus not been there to take her elbow. “You can straighten up now.”

  Brunus smiled understandingly. “CeCe Alamy, on behalf of Primus Pilus Cato, it is my pleasure to announce that your freedom has been restored and that you are a full citizen of the Empire, with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities attendant thereto, including the opportunity to pay taxes.”

  That got a good laugh from all of those on the platform as Brunus gave Alamy a scroll certifying her citizenship. “Now,” he said, “I believe Primus Pilus Cato has something to say.”

  Tears were streaming down Alamy’s cheeks as Cato stepped forward to take both of her hands in his. He looked very handsome in his crested helmet and ceremonial armor. “CeCe Alamy,” he said, as hundreds of thousands of people looked on, “will you marry me?”

  Alamy’s answer was forever lost in the thunder that followed. But there was no doubt about the look of joy on her face—or the passionate kiss that followed. So the next thing the citizens of the Empire heard was the Emperor, who turned to one of the hovering cameras and grinned. “I don’t know about you,” he said, “but I think Primus Pilus Cato is a very lucky man.”